Phase One Complete

Bob Medler, the ships surveyor, has visited Shamrock and signed off the work completed to date, he was impressed by the high standard. This marks the completion of phase one of Shamrock's current restoration program. Restoration work has now ceased on Shamrock until the phase two funding has been released. Once approved, this will allow the commencement of the removal and replacement of the false keel and keelson. As a result, Shuggs and Mark have just completed their last working week on Shamrock until phase two, the quay will be quiet without the sounds of sawing, hammering, planning, etc. Their last week was spent, with a lot of help from Shaune, and a little help from the crew, completing the fitting of the cargo hatch coaming dog cleats. Moving the deckhouse and companionway to the boat shed ready for a new coat of paint and replacing the varnish with 'Woodskin'.  They also upcycled Shamrock's temporary cover by removing its sides, then lowering the top until it rested on the wash strake and lashed it to the bulwarks. Cutting the cover support beams to give about 20 inches (508 mm) of overhang and fitting a baton edging strip. The cover was then stretched taut and by screwing a second baton edge to the first, holding the cover taught. This layout should keep Shamrock dry while also allowing plenty of ventilation. Looks a bit like a 'Wanchai Burberry' to the crew.

The site still needs tidying, what’s left of the cover sorted with any sound lengths of timber stored and any remaining timber moved to the boat shed for the stove.

Slipway Track

When plans where being made for the restoration of Shamrock in 1974 it was decided to dig out a slipway to allow her to be hauled out on a cradle well clear of the highest tides allowing easy access to all parts of the hull. This slipway is still used today, along with a updated metal cradle, when Shamrock needs to be hauled out to have her hull maintained. The rail sleepers have started to rot and the metal rails to corrode and distort with age causing the cradle to occasionally stick when hauling out or floating off Shamrock so the decision has been made to renew them this year. As a start the fire pump was manhandled to the bottom of the boat shed slipway, rigged and used to wash away around fifteen months of accumulated mud from the slipway.

Note to the crew.

Design and manufacture a trolley for the fie pump before it needs to be used again.

Stop Press

Sutton Harbour Plymouth Classic Boat Rally 2015 organisers have published an outline program for this years rally scheduled for Friday 24th to Monday 27th July. Conformation is being sent that Shamrock is due to attend weather permitting.